Could I ever live on a golf estate? I’m not sure, to be honest — the proximity of the houses has always made me think twice, as has the proximity of the golfers. The law of averages suggests some of them must be at least as directionless on the course as I am, and a consistent threat to windows, roof tiles and satellite dishes. But I’m willing to give the idea a go — and The Lodge at Atlantic Beach makes for a prime venue for flirtations with golf course living.

It’s a fairly simple premise: upmarket B&B, situated alongside an outstanding (if brutally testing) golf course, with the estate’s myriad features made available to the temporary tenants. Pulling it off is slightly more complicated, but by and large The Lodge at Atlantic Beach has got it right, adding a welcome addition to the options for the golfer seeking refuge from life in the city.

A gem of a getaway
Atlantic Beach sits on the windswept west coast of Cape Town, half an hour or so from the city centre, depending on traffic. As a location, it offers a stunning vista of Table Mountain, and sparkling, sparsely populated beaches (albeit with water that has penguins rushing for wetsuits). And that location, together with the adjacent golf course, makes for a gem of a getaway.

The Lodge itself runs alongside the first fairway, the quiet exterior belying the facilities within. Rooms lead off a long, moody corridor — think a smaller Gosford Park, with muted touches of Africana — and open onto the fairway through a balcony that inadvertently forms part of the rough. Passing golfers are a mild distraction and if they prove too much there’s always the spa bath inside the room, which — with complimentary champagne, and plenty of candles — makes for an exquisite romantic hideaway.

And it can fulfil exactly that role — the beach is minutes away and thankfully devoid of Camps Bay crowds; and there’s a spa, swimming pool, (spartan) gym and restaurant to complete a quietly indulgent escape.

The restaurant requires a short stroll down the road as it forms part of the golf course clubhouse and typical golfing fare, labelled under a string of well-worn clichés, forms the bulk of the menu. Which is a pity, really, for the kitchen is under the guidance of Mike Rooney, former owner and chef of Eurasha, the excellent fusion restaurant in Green Point that is sadly no more. It’s a bit like having Michaelangelo paint your garage, but still, if you have a quiet word with Mike he’s quite happy to work a little magic.

Even if he doesn’t though, the food is still quite acceptable and aside from the room service menu (which opens up to reveal a Mr Delivery menu), it’s a polished product, the Lodge. Which is what you’d expect given the man behind it (and the golf course): American magazine model and golf director, Bill Taylor.

South Africa has had some great Americans play a role in local golf, from Pezula’s legendary Director of Golf Jeff Clause (formerly at The Links at Fancourt), to Dennis Alpert, the irrepressible Executive Director of the hugely successful Presidents Cup two years ago. Taylor is another great import from the States, and with the golf course having achieved international recognition (the links set-up plays home to the annual African qualifier for the British Open), he’s had time to add this latest venture to Atlantic Beach.

Which means the travelling golfer has a temporary base of some style from which to launch an assault on an unforgiving course. It’s still a wild area — buck are spotted on the course with some regularity — and the fynbos guarding the fairways cannot be broached in search of errant drives, resulting in many a lost ball. Not always an easy round, then; all the better to have a spa bath waiting just minutes from the 18th hole.

As a golfing escape it’s great, but it also serves as a quiet retreat that’s wonderfully close to the city. Quiet beaches, exceptional views, and when the weather turns nasty, a great spot to hole up and forget about life for a while. For the golfer, or the romantic — or indeed the golfing romantic — The Lodge at Atlantic Beach makes for a refreshing retreat. Golf course living, I think, is starting to grow on me.

    HAVE A SWING...
  • The Lodge is situated on the Atlantic Beach golf estate, about 45 minutes from Cape Town on the R27.
  • Each of the 20 rooms at The Lodge offer satellite TV, 24/7 high-speed wireless internet access, bar-fridge, choice of twin or king-size bed and spa bath and shower en suite.
  • To find out more or to make a booking, contact The Lodge at (021) 553 4653 or email enquiries@thelodgeatatlanticbeach.co.za.